The Courier-Post reports that final details of the Winter Classic between the Flyers and the Rangers are still being ironed out and that local musical acts are being considered to perform before/during the game.

Luukko said the Flyers would be assisting the NHL in recommending musical acts for the Winter Classic pregame. Before the 2010 Winter Classic in Boston's Fenway Park, the local band the Dropkick Murphys performed on a makeshift stage above home plate, followed by James Taylor crooning the Star Spangled Banner.

Boyz II Men, The Hooters, The Roots, Hall and Oates, Will Smith, Patti LaBelle and Pink are local musicians who might be considered as opening acts for the Classic.

Now, with all due respect to the Hooters, Patti LaBelle, and the guys in the sweater vests, the Roots are clearly the only option we can fully support as to excite a packed house in South Philly. We can, however, support Will Smith performing in a skit with the Phanatic. Mr. Jiggy With It seems like a perfect candidate to get tazed, or at least some popcorn tossed on him.

Aside from the Roots being a band that people still actually like, you could probably even make the argument they're now the most mainstream by being the house band on Jimmy Fallon's late night show. Plus, we know the Roots are actual Philly sports fans and have attended plenty of games at Citizens Bank Park.

Also of note in Chuck Gormley's story, the Flyers are working out details to have more than just the Flyers play on the ice at CBP, including games with the Penn State men's hockey team and also the Adirondack Phantoms. This could give way more people a chance to catch an outdoor hockey game in South Philly as well as give exposure to a new PSU hockey program.